The University of Maine at Presque Isle Outing Club is offering a series of spring adventures and activities for campus and community members to enjoy, including skiing, snowboarding, overnight camping, snowshoeing, and outdoor rock climbing.
To kick off the season, the club offered a Cross Country Skiing outing at the Nordic Heritage Center on Jan. 22. The club will also be participating in the Gentile Hall 10 Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 6. The event includes a Community Day from 2-5 p.m. with free access to the gym, rock wall, swimming pool, facility tours and fitness equipment orientations. There will be a social from 4-5:30 p.m., with healthy snacks provided and a short program with member appreciation starting at 4 p.m.
Between Thursday and Sunday, Feb. 11 to 14, the club will host a three-night trip to provide participants with a Quebec Winter Carnival experience, complete with a stay in the old part of Quebec City. This trip is already full.
On Saturday, Feb. 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the club will go on a Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding adventure at Big Rock Mountain. UMPI students, faculty and staff with ID pay $10 for a lift ticket. Additional rental fees may apply for those renting Big Rock equipment. Free transportation will be provided. Those interested in participating should sign up no later than Friday, Feb. 26 by 3 p.m.
The club will host a Cabin in the Woods Weekend from Friday, March 4 to Sunday, March 6. Participants will experience winter camping and snowshoeing in the heart of the western mountains of Maine, with the chance to explore trails by snowshoe and then snuggle up near the woodstove of the off-the-grid camp in Kingfield, Maine, where they will be staying. No experience is required. The trip includes transportation, equipment rental (snowshoes), food and lodging. Cost is $30 for UMPI students, $100 for non-students. The trip departs March 4 at 10 a.m. Those interested in participating should sign up no later than Friday, Feb. 26 by 3 p.m.
On Sunday, March 13, the club will host a Snowshoeing event at Aroostook State Park. Held from 1-4 p.m., this outing includes a guide, transportation and equipment, all for free. No experience is required. Participants should sign up no later than Friday, March 11 by 3 p.m.
From Friday, April 15, to Sunday, April 17, the club will attend the Association for Experiential Education Northeast Regional Conference in Becket, Mass. Attendees enjoy a fun, interactive conference that attracts an enthusiastic group of people from around the Northeast that inspire and energize. Along the way, they learn new skills in education, facilitation and leadership. The fee for UMPI students is $75; $425 for non-students. The trip departs on April 15 at 8 a.m. and includes transportation, lodging, food and conference registration fees. Participants should sign up no later than Friday, Feb. 26 by 3 p.m.
The club will take to the cliffs with an Outdoor Rock Climbing trip to Acadia National Park on Saturday, May 7. Participants can enjoy the thrill, adventure, and sense of accomplishment as they climb against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Desert Island. No experience is required but organizers ask that beginner climbers spend some time at the indoor rock wall at Gentile Hall to practice some of the basic skills necessary for the day trip. Cost is $30 for UMPI students and $45 for non-students. The trip includes transportation, equipment, guide services and snacks. The rain date for the trip is Sunday, May 8. Participants should sign up no later than Wednesday, May 4 by 3 p.m.
For more information or to sign up for any of these events, please contact Amanda Baker at amanda.g.baker@maine.edu or call 207-768-9401. The UMPI Outing Club office is located in Gentile Hall.
